 April Sliwak
Founder, Her Life Speaks Do any of these sound familiar:
I’ve asked myself many of these questions over the years. Before I was a Believer I made decisions based on how I felt with my heart. Did my heart know which was the very best for me? Other times I made decisions based on my pride. Did I know the real estate market would crash after my purchase? Other times I made decisions based on my feelings. Feelings are the number one way the Villain likes to trick us. My trust had been broken in relationships that I never thought would. The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Ecclesiastes 2:10 NIV DECISIONS: Seeking God’s Guidance by Donald Baker is what we’re studying in our Small Groups beginning in September. If you’re looking for answers and guidance, instead of having regret, fear, and anxiety over the decisions and choices you make, I highly encourage you to join us. Together, we’ll contemplate God’s will for our lives, how to hear it, how to know it, and how to confirm it. Thank God that he is in control of our lives. Thank God that he gives us free will. It’s our choice to go to God and listen for his answers. Let’s do it together in community! Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33
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 By, Maricel Bates
I am from the Philippines, and I came to the U.S. in 2002 to escape economic hardship and physical abuse. I was forced to leave my six children behind. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever made, but now, years later, I can see God was preparing the way for all of us to come to this incredible land of freedom. All along, the Lord had an amazing plan for my life, even when I couldn’t see it. I was lonely when I first arrived here, but God provided many wonderful friends for me. I also met a wonderful American man who loves and serves the Lord with all his heart, and we were able to get married in 2008. I praise and thank God for my future, and for His plans for me. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God prepared every step of the way for me. I have learned and seen the power of prayer and how to rely on Jesus for everything I need. He is the ultimate Provider. He has given me an opportunity to serve at a local homeless shelter and also to teach His Word. I am also honored to be the Prayer Coordinator for Her Life Speaks. The one thing missing in my life is my children, and my heart longs to have them in the U.S. with me. In 2010, we began the process of petitioning to get them here. The paperwork takes a long time, and although we have waited 12 long years, God has provided at every step; the petitions for my children are starting to move now, so I knew and prayed that it was time for me to become an official U.S. citizen. God is so good! Where do you see God preparing a way and providing for you?  By, Liz Lodriguez
I am from the Dominican Republic. It took me ten years to become a U.S. citizen, and although I faced many challenges, they helped me trust Jesus even more. When I was in my mid-20s, I decided that I wanted to one day become a U.S. citizen. I still remember when I was introduced to my attorney with my “American Mother,” and he said the following words, "First, we will get you a student visa, then workers/religious visa, then a green card, and if you are not married by then to a U.S. citizen, we will help you become a U.S. citizen." When the attorney was explaining this, I was wondering how I would be able to afford all the fees. Yes, I had my doubts, and I was frustrated because I wanted this process to be fast and easy. But God knew what was going to happen. Mathew 6:8 says, “For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” My family and my church were my biggest supporters. God knew I would need an army to face this journey, so He provided one for me. When I started the journey toward my citizenship, my first visa, known as a student visa, was denied while visiting my family in the Dominican, which did not allow me to return to the U.S. I was distraught, feeling hopeless, and almost depressed. But God had the church praying for me, and the second time that I applied for my student visa, I was approved. Through my church, I was able to obtain a religious visa and years later, I met my husband and received a green card through marriage. Yes, I got married! Jesus gave me a husband, and I became a U.S. citizen! Every step of the way, God was there. Due to my experiences obtaining my citizenship, God has equipped me to help others. Just this year alone, I was able to help 10 individuals become U.S. Citizens! The best part of my story is how Jesus was with me every step of the way. What journey does the Lord have you on that you are trusting him with each step?  By, Angelica G
Thirteen years ago, I began a relationship that was full of love and hope. A year after we started dating, I became pregnant. I started noticing red flags about our relationship but completely ignored them. My boyfriend repeatedly told me that he would not marry me because I was not worthy and shortly after, the mental, emotional, and verbal abuse began. I thought it was God’s will for us to be together, especially since we had a daughter together. In March 2020 the abuse became unbearable and I kept accusing God of not showing me a way out. One day, I finally stopped complaining and said to God, “I give up.” Then, one morning, the situation with my boyfriend got serious. I ran with my daughter to the police station because I knew that if I stayed, there would be a tragedy. God had other plans for me that day. After speaking to a judge, the unexpected happened; my boyfriend was removed from our home. Today, I can say that I am the happiest I’ve ever been and I know it’s just the beginning of God’s divine plan for my life. “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6. He has shown me His faithfulness. It wasn’t easy to put my trust in God alone, but He has shown me that He will do anything to make sure His plan for my life is fulfilled. I have completely put my trust in Him because I now know that He is holding me in the palm of His hand. Friend, whatever you are going through, know that He is in control. “Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. I have been hurting too and I can confidently tell you to put your trust and life in His hands. Surrender all and you will see miracles that will give Him the glory, the type of miracles that will keep you in awe and boasting about His goodness for the rest of your life. How has God shown up for you in expected ways? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!  By, Lauren C
I've always wanted to be a mother… since a very young age, my greatest dream was to be a mom of five or six kids! One reason could be that I'm one of five and very close with all of my brothers and sisters and we're used to a lot of activity going on ALL of the time. You could say I'm not very good with down time. My mom made a lot of sacrifices for us and always did her best to show us lots of love! I always pictured myself being a mom like this. However, my plans to be a mom were thwarted in my mid-20s. I was engaged to a youth pastor after dating on and off for seven years. After planning two weddings for 450 people, my fiance called off the wedding two months before we were supposed to walk down the aisle. I was devastated and my plans and dreams of being a wife and mother looked like they were slipping away. I was always looking for my next stage in life instead of being content with where I was; "I'll serve God when I'm married," "l'll really be happy and fulfilled when I become a mom." It’s taught me to be content right where God has me; to serve Him and continue to grow closer to Him no matter what stage of life I’m in. God has us just where He wants us right now. Let me encourage you to focus on where God has placed you today and not believing the lie that you will find fulfillment and joy when the next stage of your life occurs. The time is now! My story continues when I found my husband a few years later and now have two beautiful children. They keep me on my toes 24/7! They have lots of energy and joy and it's so amazing to see their tender hearts for the Lord and their sweet simple prayers, even at three and five years old! As a working mom, life is busy. I am trying to balance life, family, and time with the Lord, etc… It's a work in progress, but I find contentment when praying, Proverbs 31:31 “that my children will one day be able to say, Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Another verse that always comes to mind as I teach my children about God's great love for them and to see them loving others with grace and compassion is, 3 John 1:4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." Sisters, let us walk in truth in 2022 and know that no matter what stage of life we’re in or their circumstances, this Mother's Day, may we choose to find our fulfillment and joy in the Lord. How are you finding contentment in Jesus throughout your daily life? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. |
StoriesHer Life Speaks is all about Her testimony, Her life, and who God is in Her story. Here we write our stories in hopes of helping other women find their relationship with Jesus Christ. Archives
September 2022
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